Call for a common code of conduct to build a free and responsible media

People connected with the media have called for a common code of conduct for journalists, editors and owners to build a free and responsible media. They urged that the code should not be imposed by the government, but drawn up through the joint initiative of journalists and professional organisations.

The speakers made the remarks at a divisional consultation in Rangpur on Sunday (8 November), organised by the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI). The meeting also discussed implementation of the Media Reform Commission's recommendations, editorial independence, the professional safety of journalists, and accountability in the media.

MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman told the meeting that keeping the trust of readers, listeners and viewers is essential to sustaining media freedom. For that, the media's own accountability systems must be strengthened, he said, adding that an effective self-regulation system would reduce the scope for outside interference in the media.

Kamal Ahmed, former head of the Media Reform Commission and consulting editor of The Daily Star, said the government should move quickly to implement the commission's recommendations, which were prepared on the basis of stakeholders' views. If the government does not implement a recommendation, it should also make the reason clear, he said.

Kamal Ahmed said a common code of conduct is needed for the journalism profession, but it must be prepared through the joint initiative of journalists, editors and professional organisations, not set by the government. Accountability and redress of complaints must also be ensured to make the code effective, he added.

Fahim Ahmed, former member of the Media Reform Commission and chief executive officer of Jamuna TV, said the responsibility for improving the quality of journalism lies with journalists, editors and the responsible people in newsrooms. He said the media must build effective systems of their own to correct mistakes, redress audience complaints, and protect editorial independence.

Participants at the meeting said a specific timeline and responsible institutions must be fixed to implement media reform. They also said journalists must be ensured timely salaries, appointment letters, lawful benefits and a safe working environment.

They further said that to make media self-regulation work, an independent editorial policy and a strong accountability framework are needed to face pressure from owners, advertisers and political quarters. The experience of journalists and media outside Dhaka must also be given importance in discussions on media reform at the national level, they said.

Owners, editors, journalists, teachers and civil society representatives from different districts of Rangpur division took part in the meeting, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. After Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet and Chattogram, this was MRDI's fifth divisional consultation.